Extract from the Diary of Logan, I

Dear Diary,
I can’t believe it, but the Crawler attack is over. With my sister at my side, we were unstoppable. She’s really upset though. Walter… he’s dead. She had to kill him to save Albion. The Crawler had possessed him, it was devastating for her. I attended his funeral this morning. I made sure to comfort my sister, seeing her in tears is devastating for me. Roy seems real sad too. For a child of only three, he understands death too well for my liking. I can see him now, from my window, standing at Walter’s memorial. He just stands there, as if in a trance. Perhaps that’s how he grieves…
I’m trying to avoid my sister. No need to remind her of Walter in any shape or form. I’m thinking about leaving Albion, setting off to start again. I’m hoping it will run by my sister well. I hope she sees the sense in it.

The Crawler

Walter groaned in his sleep. He began to become aware to a small voice that whispered in his ear.
“Waler…! Waler, wakey up!”
Walter’s eyes flickered open. “Huh? Who’s there?”
He saw Roy, standing wide-eyed and on tip-toes. Walter’s expression immediately softened and he helped the Prince into his bed.
“What’s troubling you, Roy?”
Roy dangled his feet over the bedside and watched them thump quietly against the bed. Walter sat next to him, hunched so he was eye level with Roy.
“I had a bad dweam.”
“What happened?”
“Dare was this big ugwy monstah-ghost-fing who kept sayin fings about dawkness. Den he showed me yoo Waler.” Roy looked up into Walter’s eyes, tears running openly down his face. “An’ yoo were dying. An’ the monstah kep sayin it was my fault. I twyed to save you Waler, I weally did, but evwyting filled with dawkness; it was so scawy! Buh den I saw sumfin in da dawkness and I weached out ta it. When I weached, dare was light, so I kep weaching until evewyting was white. Den I woke up an wanned ta make sure yoo were awive.”
Roy hugged onto Walter, burying his tear stained face in the ruffles of his nightgown. Walter hugged Roy too, comforting the child. But one fact remained that unsettled Walter.
From what Roy had said, he had seen the Crawler.

Nephew and Uncle

Logan awoke to the sound of bustle in his room. He growled and opened his eyes as light spilled in through a newly uncovered window. Blinking several times, Logan was not pleased with his assailant.
“Sister! What are you doing!?”
The Hero paused briefly. “Sorry Logan. Horrible official affairs to attend to. I thought that you and Roy might want to get more acquainted while I’m out…”
“So you woke me up!? What bloody time is it!?” he was still shielding his face from the light.
His sister blinked owlishly. “I donno, really. Suppose it’s nearly noon.”
Logan growled again, but he had no excuse not to be awake. Stumbling out of bed, Logan retreated into his dark closet, and came back out a few minutes later in a loose shirt and pants. Still combing his hair, Logan beckoned his sister over.
“Sister, get that new butler… Hobs, or something. Get him to make some tea… or something.”
She smiled. “Jasper’s back for today. He promised to help you with Roy if you had any troubles.”
Logan paused and glared in puzzlement at his innocent-looking sister. He tossed his comb across the room and straightened his shirt. “Very well, then. Get Jasper to make some tea.”
Still smiling, the Hero nodded as she buttoned Logan’s shirt. “I thought as much. I already told him to bring you tea when you were up and about!”
As if on cue, Jasper came into the room, a tea tray balanced skillfully on his hand. He smiled at the two siblings who stared at him quizzically. “Ah, master Logan, I see you’re awake now!”
Logan and the Hero quickly recovered. Logan cleared his throat officially. “Oh, good, you brought the tea.”
The Hero gave Logan a playful shove. “Of course he did silly! Now how ‘bout you give good ol’ Jasper here a proper welcome back!”
Jasper put up his hands. “I must decline, m’lady. I’m not too found of hugs.”
Logan nodded, blowing at a strand of stray hair. “Right then, welcome back Jasper.”
Jasper bowed slightly. “Good to see you in one piece, sah.”
He turned to the Hero. “Would you like to bring young master Roy in for some tea as well? I’m sure he would like a biscuit or two.”
She clasped her hands together delightedly. “Of course! What a splendid idea! I’ll be back in a minute, you two play nice.”
When she had left, Jasper poured tea for him and Logan. Sipping daintily, he inquired, “So, her majesty asked you to watch over the young Prince?”
Logan nodded, sipping at his tea as well. “I’m just as confused as anyone about why she chose me, my friend. But who knows what goes through the head of a Hero.”
“Indeed. Walter’s been spending a lot of time with the little tyke. He thinks the boy possesses Hero-like qualities. Perhaps one day our young Prince Roy will be a hero, just like his mother, eh?”
Logan frowned slightly. “Hmm yes, let’s just hope he doesn’t need to start another revolution.”
Jasper sighed sadly. “It all depends on how long we’ll last when the Crawler attacks.”
“My sister said she and Walter suffered from the Crawler when they traveled to Aurora. I only wish I could have shielded her from such an ordeal.”
Having finished their tea, Jasper began to gather the dishes. “Yes, but I do believe you will have the choice to shield young Roy from the Crawler, do you not?”
Logan was silent, a thoughtful scowl on his face.
Jasper stood. “I’ll go and take these to the kitchen. Sah.”
Logan nodded distractedly. “Bye, Jasper.”
Not long after Jasper left, the door opened again. Roy came toddling in on his clumsy toddler legs. The Hero came in right behind him, smiling fondly as she kept the Prince from falling.
Logan smiled and held his arms out. Roy stumbled into them, gurgling happily. Logan chuckled and tossed Roy in the air. He squealed with pleasurable delight and was caught once more in Logan’s arms.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? Aren’t you? Aren’t you?” Logan tickled Roy’s chubby baby tummy. Roy wriggled and chortled, amused by the baby voice Logan was using.
The Hero smiled as she placed her crown on Roy’s head. It titled to a sharp angle, covering his eyes. He reached up with his chubby hands, gurgling as he removed the crown and held it out to Logan.
“Dat!” he said gruffly.
Logan looked up at the Hero, unsure what to do. She had her arms crossed, still smiling.
“He’s giving it to you. Go on, take it!”
Logan held the crown as Roy let go. He beamed at the infant. “Thank you! Yes, thank you, thank you!”
The baby voice made Roy chortle once more, covering his face with his hands. He then held them out, grasping the air. Logan gave the crown back, and Roy flopped backwards, staring at his mother upside-down, offering the crown back.
As the Hero placed the crown on her head, Roy laughed.
“Shank yoo!” he squeaked.
Logan and the Hero laughed. Logan stood, holding Roy upright. Lifting him above his head, Logan placed Roy on his shoulders. “You wanna see your mama in da throne room, yes? Yes?”
The Hero frowned. “I don’t think—”
“Yes! Yes yes yes!” Roy bounced upon Logan’s shoulders, clasping onto Logan’s figure for balance.
The Hero stared at Logan a second, before smiling again. “I guess it’s settled then. Come on, don’t want to be late do we?”
“Yes!” Roy giggled.
Logan laughed. “Haha say no. No.”
Roy held up his free hand. “No!”
Logan and his sister laughed. “Okay, let’s go.”
Logan walked behind his sister as they made their way to the throne room. He held Roy on his shoulders, holding a conversation with his small nephew. Logan was given some wary and even some hateful looks, but no one could help but smile at Roy.
“We go frone oom?”
“Yup, we’re going to the throne room.”
“Mama go frome oom?”
“Yes your mama’s going to the throne room also.”
“Logee go frone room ahso?”
He laughed. “Yes silly! I’m going to the throne room also!”
“Waler go frone room ahso?”
“Walter’s already there.”
“’Ready theh?”
“Yes, Walter’s already in the throne room.”
“Oh. I nah know dat.”
“Quiet now,” the Hero said, placing a finger to her lips. “We’re nearly there.”
Roy leaned down and looked at Logan, a chubby finger to his lips.
“Shh. Nearry dare.”
Logan held his free finger to his lips too. “Shh.”
Roy’s eyes grew wide, and he kept silent, finger unmoving.
The Hero entered the throne room. Walter’s voice boomed out. “All rise, for the queen of Albion!”
Roy whispered excitedly. “Waler dare, Logee!”
Logan smiled. “Yep, let’s go inside.”
As everyone watched the Hero head to her throne, Logan and Roy slipped into the room, heading towards the far back corner. A guard saw them and opened his mouth to protest, but Roy held a finger to his lips and shushed him. The guard gave Logan a wary glance, but didn’t stop them.
Roy began bouncing and whispered excitedly in Logan’s ear. “Look Logee! It’s mistah Revah! Can I say hi, Logee?”
Logan smiled mischievously. This made Roy grin. “Go ahead, nice and loud so he hears you!”
Roy waved exitedly, whispering loud enough for Reaver to hear him from across the room. “Hi, mistah Revah! It me, Woy! How’s beeznus?”
Reaver glanced back and caught sight of Roy. He smiled his charming smile. “Why, hello master Roy! Business is good, thank you for asking.”
Roy pointed to Page, his eyes wide with innocence. “Is dat miss Page ova dare?”
Reaver nodded. “Why yes, yes it is. Why do you ask?”
Roy cocked his head. “Can you tell hah I sed hi, mistah Revah?”
Reaver bowed. “Of course, master Roy! How could I refuse?”
Reaver turned to Page and smiled. “My good friend, the young Prince Roy, says hi.”
The Hero beckoned to Logan. “Could you bring the Prince up here, brother?”
Logan lifted Roy off his shoulders. Roy held onto his finger with his hand as they walked up together. There was some nervous and some rebellious muttering from the assembled crowd as they saw Logan, but he was totally intent on helping Roy to the throne and didn't notice.
Roy placed a hand over his mouth and giggled, then waved to everyone he knew.
“Hi Waler! Hi miss Page! Hi again mistah Revah! Hi Mama! Hi mistah gahd!”
The Hero held out her arms. “Come here, you!”
Roy let go of Logan’s hand and toddled into her arms. She pulled Roy into her lap, bouncing him upon her knee. Roy pointed to the left side of the throne.
“Here, Logee! Come stan ova heah!”
Logan stood next to the throne and ruffled Roy’s hair, smiling fondly. This was a new occurrence for most everyone attending, and there was a sentimental silence from even the most hateful of Albions.
It was a new beginning for Logan.

The Hero's Brother

I decide today that I would tell Logan about me and Elliot’s new baby boy, Roy. I wasn't sure how he would take it. There's been a drastic change in his attitude since he resigned from the throne. He seems... relieved, I believe is the right term. Oh well, I can't blame him. Running the kingdom is hard work. No decision ever seems truly the 'right' decision. There's always a small flaw, which usually turns out to be a big problem. It would be a lot easier if the people knew why I had to be conservative with money. Of course, if they did, that would cause utter panic.
Anyways, I asked Walter to send Logan to the War Room (he was right, BEST room in the castle!). I thought it a good time, considering Elliot was out, and Logan never really liked Elliot. He's not a bad man, but I think I could have done better. Logan came in wearing his 'You'll never see how I really feel' face: blank, with a heavy helping of scowl.
So I tell Logan I have something important to show him. He rolls his eyes, but I can tell he's intrigued by my words. I lead him into the master bedroom (mine and Elliot's). I sort of felt nervous, maybe even paranoid. Perhaps it's the way he looms over me, in that evil, threatening, older-brother sort of way. So, I take in a big breath, and say "Logan, congratulations on becoming an uncle!"
I leave him for a brief moment and bring Roy to him. He's still nonchalant, but there's something in his eyes. A sense of importance I hadn't seen since he was on the throne. Ever as impassive as his uncle, Roy stared back at Logan with his stormy grey eyes.
I don't show it, but I'm immensely relieved at how well Logan takes to Roy. Logan and I sit in the war room, Logan bouncing Roy in his lap. We talk about things that brother and sister should talk about, like poverty and taxation. Logan seems quite interested in what being a Hero is like. I happily oblige to tell him. I knew opportunities like the one I had were truly rare. But Roy seemed to urge Logan into a better mood.
I decide to break the news to Logan before anything could go downhill. I tell him of my need to travel to Aroura, to seek out the fabled diamond that annoying new butler told me about (I wish Jasper weren't so attached to the Sanctuary). I explained how I must at least attempt to seek it out, in order to help raise money for the Crawler attack (Logan being one of the few who know about it, I feel it right to confide my fears and hopes about the Crawler with him). He shrugs this information off, like it's no big surprise; which it probably wasn't. Then I say: "I need you to look after Roy for me while I'm gone."
He looked at me. For a split second I saw a glimmer of anticipation in his eyes, before they dulled to their sinister normality. "Why can't Elliot?" he asked, his voice oozing with scorn as he said Elliot's name. This is where it got deep. "Logan," says I; "If there is anyone in this castle I would entrust this precious life too," I stroked Roy's auburn peach-fuzz hair; "It's you. Elliot... he isn't the responsible type. Sure, he can remember a day to day schedule, but I don't want to put Roy's health at the whim of Elliot's memory. Walter... I would choose him, but he will be so busy with running the castle in my absence, placing the burden of the Prince on top of that would be cruel. That new butler... hate him!" Logan actually flashed a smile then, as Roy gave a gurgling laugh. "Jasper... Jasper's just as busy as Walter. And Reaver... ugh! Reaver would probably make Roy work at his factory!"
"So I'm your last resort?" there was that scorn again.
I shook my head resolutely, handing Roy back his wooden sword he had dropped. "Actually Logan, I just thought of the others as a backup. I don't want to ask too much of you. I've done you no favors that this favor of mine would even out. I just needed to have someone if you didn't want to care for Roy..."
I hastily wiped a tear from my eye. How dare I let myself slip up with emotions like that!
To my surprise, Logan came and sat next to me, putting an arm around my shoulders. I leaned against him. He gently placed Roy, who had fallen asleep, in my lap, smiling fondly. "Of course I'll care for young Prince Roy! I took care of a Princess, however long ago it seems," I flashed a fond smile at Logan. "And back then I messed up. I had so much to look after, my priorities became mixed up. I wish to prove I can do better."
Gently, as a joint effort, Logan and I pried Roy's hand from Logan's finger.
As we both stood. Walter came into the War Room; luckily quietly. He stopped where he stood when he saw Roy. "Is that...?"
I smiled, and Logan answered. "The Prince."
Walter came over and gently stroked Roy's head with a battle-scarred hand. "What's he called, eh?"
"Roy." I whispered the name softly.
Walter suddenly looked up. "And who's to care for Prince Roy while you're away, your majesty? Surely not..." Walter flinched.
"Elliot?" I chuckled. "No. The Prince will be looked after by his uncle while I'm away."
Walter looked shocked, and confided my in a hoarse whisper, though I could tell my Logan's darkened scowl that he knew what Walter would say. "Logan? You've got be bloody joking! Of all the people to entrust the Prince to-"
"I choose his family, Walter."
"But...! Your maj-"
"I trust in my own decisions, Walter. As your queen, I would hope you would be confident in them as well. Give him a chance. Logan is the right choice for this.
Walter gave me one last pleading glance. "Yes, of course I have faith in you."
I looked up first, and flashed Logan a confident look. A thin, satisfied smile spread on his face. I wanted to chide him for disliking Walter so, but it was not the time and place. "Walter, could you help me with Roy?"
He glanced at Logan.
I frowned. "I'm sure my dear brother can find his own way to his chambers. In fact, feel free to stretch your legs in the garden, Logan. If anyone stops you, send them to me. I'll deal with them."
"Of course, dearest sister." Logan bowed. There was a flash of something in his eyes again: gratitude, like the kind a man feels when given a chance at life once more.
The door closed quietly, for Logan, being the caring uncle he was, was still conscious of the slumbering Prince.
As I headed back to the master bedroom with Walter, he expressed his feeling aloud, if not slightly subdued due to Roy. "Are you bloody mad? Allowing Logan to wander the castle by himself!? And, and even letting him walk about outside as he wishes? There was a reason we overthrew him, you know. That man is dangerous! And to think you entrusted the future of Albion to him as well!"
I placed Roy in his cradle and fixed Walter with a haughty glare. "Like it or not, Logan is my brother! Like it or not, he is the Prince's bloody uncle! I don’t hold Logan, my brother Logan, accountable for what he did as king! Look Walter, you wouldn't know, but being a ruler can mess with your head!"
Walter looked stung by the remark. I immediately felt sorry for my outburst. I flopped onto the master bed. "I'm sorry, Walter. Uh, I just feel so stressed lately! So many problems, and none of them with a truly and all out 'right' choice! I don’t want to be a bad ruler, and I don’t want to break my promises to everyone, but if I don't restrict where my money is going, the Crawler is going to attack and we'll be in debt up to our heads! Heck, that's if we even survive! We have no chance of that if I haven't got the money to raise an army!"
I flipped over and groaned into my pillow. As good as it felt to confide in a good friend about my problems, I felt slightly guilty about my true feelings concerning the upcoming Crawler attack.
Walter sat down beside me with a grunt and a sigh. He stroked my hair, something he did to comfort me when I was little. Oh how I wish those days could have lasted forever!
“I’m sorry,” he sighed. “I shouldn’t be putting more stress on you than the whole kingdom already is!”
“Nn all er!” I said into my pillow. Flipping over, I started again. “No Walter! I’m the one who should be sorry. You’re under just as much stress as anyone around here. I shouldn’t be giving you grief for being concerned.” I glanced at the door to Roy’s room, and muttered. “Heaven only knows how long poor Roy will last without people being concerned for him…”
Walter gave me a hug as I sniffed emotionally. It felt good to be in his bear-like embrace. I felt like it could shut me from the horrid world.
“You know,” Walter mused, stroking his beard. “Logan has seemed to change since you became queen. Maybe giving him responsibility over Roy isn’t such a bad idea.”
I smiled with relief, glad everything was working out. “And of course you can help too, Walter. Whenever you are bored and need to pass the time!”
Walter laughed. “I’ll be sure to check on the Prince more than that! He’s the bloody hope of the future!”
I gave another fleeting smile and a yawn escaped me. Walter looked at me. “I think our Prince isn’t the only one in need of a nap! Get some shut eye, your majesty. You’ve got a big couple of days ahead of you!”
“Thanks Walter!” I said as I yawned again. I waited until Walter had left before closing my eyes. I almost instantly fell asleep, and became blissfully unaware of the plagued world I had come to rule.

A Sign from Theresa

Roy is too young to know much of anything. He lives in a world that consists of magical lights and strange sounds that can be both hysterical or frightening. He knows naught why when he falls asleep, why a woman in a red cloak with a fat, white strip in the middle visits him. Her words are mystic, and her voice soothing, but Roy can sense foreboding in her message. And for this, he wakes up crying after she gives him her message.
"You are destine to be the greatest Hero the world will know, and ever come to know. But I cannot see any more of your future. Many paths are before you, young one; paths of evil and paths of good. The one you will take rest in the hands of one of your loved ones. Who, I cannot tell. Though your loved ones are few and well picked, I fear that the one who controls your destiny is someone who will abuse it..."
***********
I opened my eyes as Roy's pitiful wails arose again. Elliot groaned beside me, but I didn't wake him further. Quickly, I tip-toed into Roy's room, cradling the upset infant in my arms, until slowly, gently, he drifted off again.
***********
Roy wailed his sorrow aloud, wishing he knew why the strange lady felt as she did. Even at his tender young age, Roy had a need to help others. He was calmed slightly as his mother walked into his room, her soft voice embracing him so. His cries of dismay diminished as he was slowly coaxed back into blissful sleep. In the dark corridors of him mind, young Roy awaited the lady once more. But she didn't come again, and her message was forgotten in his tiny, baby mind.

Long Ago...

This story takes place after the Hero of Brightwall takes over the throne from her tyrannical brother, Logan. Once seizing the kingdom, she tries to make changes to improve Albion, but with the ever nearing threat of the sinister Crawler attack, money is an essential to keep.
*************
Before the kingdom was hers for the taking, the Hero one day finds herself at a pub in the Bowerstone Industries, trying not to think about certain troubles ahead.. There, she finds her childhood friend, Elliot, and a wedding commences the next day. Happy once more, the Hero and her husband enjoy themselves until the Hero leaves for Aurora.
*************
It isn't long after she becomes queen that the Hero gives birth to her and Elliot's child, a boy they name Roy. It is here, that our story begins...